When No One Else Would

When Silence Broke

‍ ‍

“One of the big lessons that I learned was how to defend, or at least call out an injustice when I see it.”

“I was just really apt to believe… someone else would say something. I didn’t really think it was my job to do that.”

That’s not what most people expect to hear from Riley Gaines. 

Today, Gaines is one of the most inspiring advocates for Women’s Sports in America. She has appeared on national television, testified before Congress, and stepped into the spotlight within one of America’s most debated issues. 

When the events that made her a national figure first unfolded, she wasn’t looking for a platform. In fact, she believed someone else would step up.

Gaines, like many, believed those responsible for protecting fairness would do their job. Coaches and administrators all had the power and authority to address what was happening. Why did the burden fall on the athletes in danger?

"There are people who get paid pretty glamorous salaries to uphold fairness," Gaines said. "There are people who get paid to do that. Why do I have to be the one to bear the burden?" Gaines says her silence was never a sign of agreement. "Not because I ever agreed with it, or ever thought it was right, or ever thought it was fair, or safe, or good, or moral, or just, or righteous."

Instead, she believed someone else would speak first. 

But that moment never came.

Gaines' turning point took place at the 2022 NCAA Women’s swimming championship. Gaines tied in the 200-yard freestyle with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer competing in the women’s events. Despite the race finishing in a tie, Gaines was told Thomas would claim the trophy and participate in photographs, and hers would be mailed later. 

For Gaines, the moment was about much more than the trophy.  "Then I was impacted, and that's what really was kind of the final straw of me just saying, like, enough is enough."

Standing next to Thomas on the podium, Gaines found herself thinking about more than her career. She thought about her younger sister, who competed in gymnastics. She thought about the children she hoped to raise. She thought about the future of young female athletes. She thought about the consequence of staying silent.

"I felt guilty, and I felt responsible, and I felt totally convicted on their behalf to say something,” Gaines said. "I recognized what a disservice it would be to them if I didn't."

Like many of us, Gaines did not have a fancy PR team or polished campaign strategy. Gaines did not have major institutions or wealthy donors to echo her message. In fact, she felt uncertain.

“I knew it was wrong, but I didn't know what to say, and I didn't know who to say it to."

Instead, and perhaps most powerfully, she had conviction. 

Gaines realized that courage did not require having all the answers. Courage did not require having a perfect plan. Courage meant standing up, despite uncertainty, to fight for what is right.

The lessons that prepared Gaines for her national fight came long before she stepped into the spotlight. As a team captain at Kentucky, Gaines learned the importance of accountability, leadership, and standing for truth.

"One of the big lessons that I learned... was how to defend, or at least call out an injustice when I see it."

Despite Gaines' powerful message, speaking out came with a cost. The criticism, attacks, and threats were relentless. As a result, her faith became an anchor. 

Instead of harboring resentment over the pushback, Gaines realized God’s control over the situation.

"I feel like you can't really have a testimony without being tested."

In moments of uncertainty, she remembers surrendering her situation to God.

"It's a moment of just kind of putting your hands up in the air, and it's like, use me for whatever and however I can be helpful."

Her relationship with the Lord continues to guide her today.

"I feel just a level of peace about me," Gaines said. "I think that's the kind of strength that can only come from the Lord."

At its core, Riley’s story is about much more than swimming. 

Many people spend their whole lives waiting for someone else to speak up. Waiting for someone else to save them from injustice. They wait for a leader, an institution, or an established voice to lead the charge.

Gaines denied that logic. 

"How could you expect someone to stand up for you if you're not even going to stand up for yourself?"

Instead, she made a decision that would change her life.